Grate



R. F. DARBY March 7, 1933.

GRATE Filed Feb. 1l. 1929 ffm@ @,mdfm/Qdd@@@dddd ,.HMQQGGGQGOQQGQGGQ Q 0 Q o Q Q @o o Q6 Q www@ w, :HCC CC C C @1C @,@GWWGG C if--- QM mw ...MOM G O O O O O O O G G @Hmmm @E HHK@ O G mwa@ C G O 0 G 0.01@ G R. F. DARBY y-Magmh '7, 1933.-

GRATE Filed Feb. ll, 1929 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 m Nq K RyFJDARBY March 7,1933.

GRATE `Filed Feud 11, 1929 5 sheexsesheet s ,New

Patented Mar. 7, 1933 RQBERTF. nanny., QF claimen,.Inninore AssIeNota fro AMERICAN STEEL FOUNDRIESL. 1 OliiCHICAGO. ILLINOleAYCORPOEATION 0F :JERSEY GRATE 'Appliea-tionfiled `"February 11,21929. Serial No....338,980.

` be lof suticientwidth toallowrapid cleaning of the lire. In other words,-when the grates are `in dumping position,l theremust be `an open space between them largeenough to Afreely passall clinkerswhich have been formed. It is not uncommon .to .replace locomotive grate ,barsy from time to time, the most common causes for replacement beingone:

burning of the top surface of thegrates, and two: thermal .cracks appearing in Athe top surface of thegrates. l Y v Burning or cracking of course necessitates the removal of the entiregrate bar so burned or crackedandl is due to, the-fire coming into direct Contact with the metal of thebar. The temperature vof the lire being fanabove. the fusing temperature of the metal usuallyfused for these grate bars, large holesare produced inthe bars which in turn produce holes inthe lire which are very detrimental .t0 proper combustion. i

Thermal craelisare caused by unequal heating of theg'rate bar structure. AThe usual design of structure has atop surface to support thefuel and admita-ir to the vfuel bed, the structure beingstrengffhened on the vunder side by deep ribs cast integral with the top, andthe top surface is oftenin direct Contact with the tire while the strengthening ribs are kept comparatively c ool by the rush ofair through the grate bar to the fire. This pro.- duces .ay very unequal and bad condition .of

expansion and contraction in the casting, re-

sultingin-thermal cracks in the top surface of the assembly. Once the cracks are started, it is only a vquestion of timeas to when they will extend all the way thru the casting, and for this reasongrates must be inspected very closely at terminals in `order that Vthe grate bar may last asy longas possible and-,yetbelremoved` befere it breaks, as -a-breakage 0n the roadwould cause engine failure?? It isy therefore desirable to designa grate bar with a separate top which is in contact withand supports the fuel bed, said top being supported on a strength carrying member, and this strength carrying member would practicallybe a permanent part of the locomotive, while the top could be cheaply and qll-icklyremoved forreplacement.

It is therefore ,an object .of the presentinvention .to provide a' grateassmbly. which is inexpensive to buldand maintain, V.and one which Jfulfillsall ef theabove enumerated requirements forecenomical maintenance and successful operation. f n

Another v,Objectis top-rovide .agratebar assembly ,which effectively resistsdistortion, is readily removable and permits rapid clean? of the fire and changes` of the .grate bars.

Still another Vobject is .to provide a ,grate assembly which afords substantially. no,V resistance to expansion and contraction, yet at the same time is tiXedly supported and clicctively resists warping and twisting.

,Yetanother object is to providea grateassembly wherein the securing `members between..` partsaare reduced to. .a ,minimum and wherein the clearances are predetermined and arranged topermit ease of operatiomassemblage and replacement.

A further object is to providefagrate :as-

sembly wherein the table ,gratesv `are ,inter-y changeable and the; clearances are predeterkkmined by said .tablegra'tes A stillfurther object is to provide'a grate frame orl load carrying( memberwhich isy of 'ampley strength, is airr cooledv to the greatest possible degree, isY designed, toL hold the top platesiirmly in place and yet allows forfull expansion `and contraction, andV finally. one which is inexpensive to produce.

lA yetfurther object is to provide a table grate or; plate for cooperation with a frame fuliillingthe above requirements, said plate being adapted for the uniform admission of air through saidplate for proper "combustion,the plate being of uniform thickness yet as thin as consistentwith strength and stresses are reduced to a minimum.

rigidity, to the end that the shrinkage Further, the plate is designed for free expansion and contraction without affecting the frame, is of such character that the production variations do not materially affect the proper function or firmness of the fastenings of the top to the frame, and the plate is of such character as is easily and inexpensively removed and replaced.

With these and various other objects in view, the invention may consist of certain novel features of construction and operation, as will be more fully described and particularly pointed out in the specification, drawings and claims appended hereto.

ln the drawings, which illustrate an embodiment of the device and wherein like referen'ce characters are used to designate like arts: p Figure 1 is a top plan view, showing the supporting relation of the grate frame to one of the grate plate members, and indicating relation `between a pair of grate plate members g,

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the grate assembly shown in Figure l;

Figure 3 is an end elevation of the grate assemblyl indicated in Figure l;`

Figure 4 is a sectional end elevation of the grate assembly shown'in` Figure 1, the same being taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line 4 4 of Figure l1;

Figure 5 is a sectional side elevation of a modified form of assembly, the same showing various positions of assembly of the table grates or plates with the support;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary top plan View of the modified form of grate plate support shown in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary sectional side elevation of a portion of a grate assembly, the same being taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line 7-7 of Figure 6';

Figure 8 is an end elevation of a modified form of end securing means between the parts of the grate assembly;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary top plan view of a portion of the supporting member of the grate assembly illustrated in Figure8; 'i

Figure 10 is a top plan view of another mod ifiedform of they grate assembly: Y

Figure/11 is a side elevation, partly in section, of the assembly illustrated in Figure 10; and

' Figure 12 is, a sectional `end elevation of the grate assembly illustrated'in Figure'lO, the same being taken substantially in the plane as indicated by the line 12--12 of Figure 10. y

Referring first of all moreI particularly to the modification illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive, the supporting frame 20 of the grate assembly comprises a single longitudinal rib 22 of substantial truss shape, said rib being shown as provided at the ends thereof with horseshoe sockets 24. As will be seen, the longitudinal rib 22 is given the greatest depth adjacent the center and therefore the construction approaches a beam fof uniform strength; in other words, having uniform internal fiber stresses. The sockets or trunnions are each shown as provided'with upstanding bosses 26 which extend to a height above the rib 22 corresponding substantially to the height of the grate assembly with the grate plates in place. The bosses are provided with sloping side portions 28 to provide proper draft spaces after the plates are assembled, and outwardly extendingsecuring lugs 30 are provided adjacent the ends of said trunnion and preferably on the same level as the top of the rib 22. It will be seen that the surfaces 28 are joined to the'frame at a knuckle or shoulder 31, saidshoulder providing means for insuring unobstructed draft and also being'formed for'the purpose of facilitating casting of said frame in that n such formation makes for a clean casting preventing formation of burrs or rounded portions on the frame.

As is shown, the plate support is provided for cooperative relation with a pair of grate plates only, though it is to be understood that it may be adapted to use any number of plates. In this instance then, outwardly eX- tending securing lugs 32'are provid-ed adjacent the center of the support, each of said lugs being provided with apertures 34 for the reception of lugs provided on the grate plates.

As shown in Figure 2, the supporting rib may be provided with a pair of spaced apertures 36 for a shaker arm 38, which shaker arm is formed with spaced embracing jaws 40 of substantial Ztl-section, each of said aws being provided with an aperture adapted to register with one of the apertures 36 for the reception of securing means, such as the rivets 42, so that it will beseen that with this construction, the shaker arm 38 is reversible.

In this construction, the center of gravity of the entire grate assembly is materially lowered by providing grate plates 50 with a flat top having openings 52 disposing' portions of the grate plates in embracing relation with respect to the upstanding boss 26. These openings 52 are so proportioned as to give ample clearance, as indica-ted at 54 in Figure 4, whereby a generous draft space is provided which permits ashes to readily pass therethrough. rl"he plate is preferably provided with faced lugs or bosses 56 adapted to be disposed in close proximity to the boss 26 to cut down excessive transverse workingor relative movement between the plate and the frame. The plate shown is provided with marginal atfthe ends thereofwith depending facing,

hooks 60 adaptedto engage undertheflugs 30 when theplates -arelin operative position with respect' tothefrarne, it being seenithat there is no clearance betweenl the top or ledge of the hooks 60 and the bottom of the lugs 30, whereas a'generous clearance is provided abovevthe lugs '30fandbetween the plate. Theiiange provided'withthe'hooks 60is of course interrupted by said hooksvandsbythe .aperturef52 embracing the boss-26, but the marginal fiange 62 is preferablyprovided embracing the boss and forming-'a seatl 'oir the extended lug portion k64 on the ltrunnion 24. yThe other end marginal fiange166 forms a seat on-the frame andy on the: lugs 32, and said flange isiprovided with depending securing 'lugs y68 `apertured forfthe reception ofthe lockingkey passing through adjacentlugs68= of a pair of grate plates. .'Each of the grate lplates is alsoprovided with a boss 72'- a'dapted to abut'the adjacent gratefplate for maintainng said grate plates in proper` l operativey position. "Each grateplate is provided with spaced apertures Z4 providing draft openings, and thelongitudinal marginal flanges areprovided with reinforcing ribs 7' 6 spaced thereon vand integral with'the top ofI the grate plate. Local reinforcing ribs 78 may also `bevprovided adjacent'the'longitudinal'center'line of the grate' plate, preferably disposedr in staggered Irelation with respect tothe reinforcing ribs 76 andadapted to contact'thelframe for supporting the grate plate. I

Inthe modication illustrated in'Figures 5 to 7 inclusive, the supporting frame 100 is provided with the oppositely extending central lug 102 corresponding and functioning in a manner similarto lugs 32,said lugs ybeing apertured at v104. The lframe may also be of truss shape vand is provided with the trunnions 106 at the ends thereof and also outwardly extending supporting lugs 108. The frame between the trunnion 106 and therib 100 is widened as at 110'andis provided with a slot 112-havi`ng an overhangor hook engag ing portion 114. The grate plates 116 are provided with marginal flanges 118, central reinforcing supports 1-20v`and endlugs 122, corresponding to lugs 68 and being apertured for the'reception of a securing key. The plates are also provided with spacing bosses 124 similar'to yand functioning in a manner as already described vwith respect to the bosses 72. In this case, the .grate plates are provided with a single longitudinal'hook 126 adapted to be inserted in theslot 112 and havingy a portion engaging the overhang 114. l

This modification may also be adapted .for use with transverselyextending hooks 150, in which case the longitudinal rib 152 is provided with end trunnions 154 having outwardly extending lugsy 156 and supporting portions 158, slopingportions'160 and1162 beingfor the purpose of lproviding draft clearances.A lThehooks 150then provided Von the grate plates'164, engage underthe lugs 156 in a manner already described for the hooksl 60 and their engagement with their lugs 30, it being understood that depending lugs similar to l thelugstS are provided on the plate-forsecuring the opposite end of said "plate to the frame. v

Referring `now more particularly Ito the lmodification illustrated in Figures "10 to i12 inclusive, 'thesupporting frame 200 includes a pair'of spaced parallel-longitudinal ribs202 j oinedat on'eendthereof'by'a` trunnion socket 204 andat the other end by a horseshoesocketv 206. :Asi before, these ribs 202 are shownl as of substantially trussshape. The sockets are provided withzalongitudinalslot 208 having an overhang or hook engaging portion'210, and the ribs 202: are provided with hori- Zontally and outwardly extending lugs` 212v apert'uredat214 and similar to thelugs 32 already described, rthe upper'surface of the lugs 'being continuous withv the upper surface ofthe ribs 202. Inwardly projecting Vbosses er lugs 216 may be provided .adj acentthelugs 212 for supporting relation withthe plates, and additional outwardly projecting supporting lugs 218 may be `provided 'adj acent the ends'offthe frame.

^ As shown,.this assembly Vmay consistjof a supportingf-ra-me anda plurality (shown 2) ofsupported perforated` grate plates :220, either'of fiator arcuate form. These: grate plates .fareidenticalin design and construe-- tion and are .interchangeable as in thecase of the other modifications, .andhave a convex or arched upper surface and are provided on the opposite or undersurface with a 'longitudinal reinforcing ribJ222, a transverse reinforcing rib-224 removed from the plate margin, longitudinal marginal ribs- 226, and atransver'se marginal rib'228. The grates are provided 'with centrallydisposed outwardly and downwardly. extending hook lugs 230 similar to'the hooks y126, said hook lugs 230 being preferably disposed adjacent the rib and integral therewith. The opposite end of the grate plate is provided with spaced apertured lugs 232 extending downwardly from 'the marginal. rib 228, which lugsl are of a spacing to permit their insertion into the apertures 214.

Vhen the grate'plate and grate frame are in :assembled position,'the hook lug 230 extends under y*and engages the 'overhanging Y shoulderV 210 offthe slot 208,`being positioned bythe slot while thev lugs 232 are being positioned in the hori'zontal'lfugs 212. Lugs 232 areprovided withkey slots 234 adapted to receiving locking keys v236 whichvwhen driven home lock the supporting frame and plates in a unit assembly, itfbeing seen-=that one key serves to lock one side of a pair of plates, as is the case in the other modifications. The plates are each provided with a spacing boss 238 preferably located at one corner of the plates integral with the transverse rib 228 and extending longitudinally of the plate. -TvVhen the ribs are in operative position, the bosses abut a portion ofthe rib 228 on the adjacentplate and act as limiting clearance means between the plate when in their assembled position, providing a constant air space and facilitating;` assemblage oi' the Darts. rlhe openings 212, as in the case of the openings 104 and 84, are preferably of rectangular form and are of. al width equaling substantially twice the thickness oi' the depending` lugs on the plates plus the depth of the bosses 72, 124 andl 238respectively, and twice the amount oit plate clearance.

ln all .of the modilications shown, it is found convenient to iirstwslip the securing member or hookof thegrate plate into engagement with its respective holding member, as` for instance,slippingthe hooks beneath the lugs 30 (Figures 1 to 4l inclusive), slipping the hooks 126 beneath the overhang 114 (Figures 1 to 6 inclusive), and in slipping hooks 230 beneath the overhang 210 (Figures 10 to 12inclusive), and then lowering the oppositev end ot' the plate into place where its projecting lugs will register with the locking members or lugs 32, 102, 212 respectively on the trame. The other plate is lowered into place in the same manner, the variousvpositions thereof being shown in Figure 5, and after said plate is in place, locking is effected -by means of the keys disposed through registering apertures or" the depending lugs of adjacent grate plates, it being seen that one key is used to lock each of the pairs of adj acent lugs on said plates, and with such construction, it does not matter whether the iooks and their overhanging portion of the trame are of correct dimensions or not it'or the plates can readily be forced into position by merely applying weight to the inner ends of said plates whereupon it will be seen that because of the tight lit and of the contact between the various supporting ribs on the plate contacting with the supporting rib or ribs of the iframe, warping is eectively prevented, yet on account ot the assembly and the disposition oi' the ribs, there is no obstruction placed in way of full and ellicient draft and relative working of the parts is prevented.

It is to be understood that l do not wish to be limited by the exact embodiment of the device shown, which is merely by way of illustration and not limitation, as various and other 'forms of the device will of course be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. In an assembly of the character described, lin combination with a grate bar and a supporting frame, locking and positioning means including a shoulder on said supporting frame, a hooked lug formed on the underside of said grate bar and engageable with said shoulder, two horizontally projecting apertured lugs provided on said supporting frame, downwardly projecting apertured lugs on the under side ol' said grate bar engaging with said supporting frame lugs, and fastening means positioned in said apertures of said projecting grate member lugs.

2. ln a grate assembly, the combination of a supporting frame comprising spaced parallel beams, integral trunnion sockets located at opposite yends of said parallel beams and uniting the same, reinforced .grate members resting upon and carried by said supporting frame, downwardly extending apertured'lugs on the inner end of each of saidgrate mem'- bers, horizontally projecting apertured lugs provided on said supporting .frame and embracing said downwardly extending lugs of said grate member, and aplurality oi Cotter keys positionedin said .downwardly projecting lugs and bearing against the under surtace of said horizontal lugs for securing1 said grate member and said supporting frame in a locked, assembled and operative position.

3. In a grate assembly, the combination of a support having trunnion sockets formed thereon, aligned securing means spaced from said sockets, a recessed portion adjacent said sockets, supporting means on said support disposed adjacent said sockets and said securing means, grate members carried by said support and having portions engaging' said supporting means, said grate members having means lockingly engaging said recessed portion, and means cooperating with said aligned securing` means for maintaining said grate members in operative position, said grate members having means Jfor maintaining the same in spaced relation.

Y 4. In a grate assembly, the combination of a support having trunnion sockets formed thereon, aligned securing means spaced from said sockets, a recessed portion'adjacent said sockets,supporting means on said support disposed adjacent said sockets and said securing means, grate members carried by said support and having portions engaging said supporting means, said grate members having means lockingly engaging said recessed portion, and means cooperating with said aligned securing means for maintaining said grate members in operative position, said grate members having bosses engaging the adjacent grate members for maintaining said members in spacedv relation.

Signed at Chicago, Illinois, this 26th day of January, 1929. ROBERTv F. DARBY. 

